The Phoenix Suns beat the Golden State Warriors 131-122 on Saturday, and the Warriors are 0-3 for the first time in 19 years, according to the Associated Press. Golden State played without Stephen Curry, who was listed with a right knee injury, and the AP said the team was resting several key players on the second night of a back-to-back and in its third game in four days.
The AP also lists Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green and Al Horford as out with low back injuries. ArenaBulletin has covered Curry's contract and Kristaps Porziņģis's absence.
Booker scored 43
Devin Booker scored 43 points on 17-of-25 shooting, with seven assists and seven rebounds. He had 19 points in the first half and 17 in the third quarter. Miles Bridges added 16, Dillon Brooks had 15 points and five assists, and Luke Kennard scored 11 on 3-of-5 three-point shooting.
Phoenix made 1 of 12 three-pointers in the first quarter and still led 57-54 at halftime. Jordan Goodwin hit a three just before the third-quarter buzzer to make it 102-92, and Kennard's three made it 117-102 with six minutes left.
Lendeborg and Melton kept the Warriors in it
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg scored a season-high 26 points and made six three-pointers, with 13 at halftime. De'Anthony Melton scored 25 on 8-of-13 shooting. Kerr said the absences were part of the season so far, NBC Sports Bay Area reported.
You're going to have nights like tonight at times this season when guys aren't available.
Steve Kerr, Warriors coach, after the loss to Phoenix, as reported by NBC Sports Bay Area
He was also pleased with Melton's play.
It was great to see Melt out there finding his rhythm the last couple of nights.
Steve Kerr, Warriors coach, after the loss to Phoenix, as reported by NBC Sports Bay Area
The Suns had lost their season opener 124-83 at Portland. Both teams play on the road on Monday, the Warriors at Denver and the Suns at Oklahoma City.
